Education Students Learn About STEAM Methods at Innovation Presentation Thursday, October 23, 2025
Education majors got hands-on experience with robotics at an innovation presentation. Photo by Chloe Humway '28.
Education majors at Point Park University recently had the opportunity to test out robotics and innovative technologies that will bring STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) lessons into their future classrooms.
Tina Dietrich, the director of STEAM and innovation at Woodland Hills School District, shared insights on the transformative power of technology in education and demonstrated to students how to utilize STEAM education in the classroom to foster problem-solving, collaboration and creativity skills.
Michele Leyshon, assistant professor of education, said, "Her presentation offered these future educators a compelling look at how technology can enrich classroom experiences and prepare students for a dynamic future."
Lainey Albright '29, a Pre-K–Grade 4 major with dual Special Education Certification, said the experience was eye-opening.
"We re-learned the definition of STEAM. We hear about STEAM all the time, but how do you actually teach kids through the aspects of STEAM? Dietrich said she didn’t really know what to do when she was a teacher, other than just throw a bunch of materials at students and tell them to create. She showed us what STEAM actually was through both video and hands-on experience with the bots they code."
Albright said she enjoyed the experiential opportunity. "It gave me an understanding of what my future students will like and what they may not," she said. "It also helped me understand the material as well as think of ways to incorporate it into what the students are already learning."
In addition to this opportunity, Point Park's two Matt's Maker Space Labs provide education students with experience with STEAM techniques throughout their educational journey. Pre-K – Grade 4 students are able to add a Pennsylvania Department of Education Integrative STEM Endorsement to their certification.
Check out some other stories about STEAM education at Point Park
Opportunities for Students
Opportunities for Alumni
Opportunities for High School Students
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